Research on the Construction and Teaching Application of the STEP Engineering Education Model in Cultivating Excellent Engineers

Objective: To address the urgent demand for high-level engineering talents in the new era, and in response to engineering education reform trends and accreditation requirements, this paper focuses on the educational philosophies of world-class universities, particularly drawing from the globally recognized CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) framework. Based on the characteristics and practical experiences of a university’s engineering education, we propose the STEP education model (i.e., Software, Theory, Experiment, Project) to achieve systematic enhancement in engineering education and effectively cultivate the comprehensive abilities of engineers. Methods: The STEP model is structured around project-driven learning, seamless integration of theoretical and experimental teaching, and a curriculum structure supported by software tools. It aims to enhance students’ learning outcomes through innovative teaching approaches, including science-education integration, virtual-real fusion, and competition-driven learning. Results: Practical applications of the STEP education model in several course systems at the university demonstrate its effectiveness in enhancing students' engineering practice abilities and innovative thinking. Conclusion: Providing strong support for the cultivation of excellent engineering talent, the STEP education model has proven effective in enhancing students' engineering practice abilities and innovative thinking, which are essential for meeting the demands of the new era and the trends in engineering education reform and accreditation requirements.